Video production appears deceptively simple. After all, the video camera gives us an immediate picture of the scene before us, and the micro phone pics up the sound of the action. Most of us start by pointing our camera and microphone at the subject but find the results unsatisfying. Why? Is it the equipment or us? It may be a little of both. But the odds are that we are the problem.
As you may have already discovered, there is no magic recipe for creating attractive and interesting programs. All successful production springs from a foundation of knowing the equipment, production techniques, and video production process:
1. Knowing how to handle the equipment properly and the effects of the various controls.
2. Knowing how to use the equipment effectively. Developing the skills underlying good camerawork and sound production.
3. Knowing how to convey ideas convincingly and how to use the medium persuasively.
4. Knowing how to organize systematically. Applying practical planning, preparation, and production.
As you and your students work through these introductory articles, the knowledge they develop will soon become a natural part of their approach to creating a production. Knowing "what the equipment can do" will enable them to select the right tools for the job and use them the right way. In the end, sloppy production reduces the effectiveness of a program.
We have divided these articles into 5 groups: Lighting, Audio, Videography, Control Room and Post/Editing.
Lighting Many times the difference between a good show and a great show is the lighting! Good lighting can transform a routine, uninteresting shot into an attractive, appealing image that draws the audiences attention. Our Camcorder Classroom - Lighting Top 8 Goals of Lighting your Scene
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Audio If you really want to find out how important audio is to a video production, just turn off the audio and try to follow the story. Audio: The Forgotten Component of Television |
Videography
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Control Room My goal with this series will be to break down the different positions in a typical studio shoot and try not to be equipment specific. I will try to pass on some strategies that have worked for me and get some tips from professionals in the broadcast and production industries as well as fellow teachers. Producer and Director
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Post / Editing Editing is the process in which the material that has been shot is blended together to tell an effective and engaging story. It is the technique of selecting and arranging shots; choosing their order, their duration, and the ways in which they are to be joined together. The subtle effects of the editor's choices require time and experience to master.
Our Camcorder Classroom- Editing |
Don't forget to visit the Tutorials Section of SVN-TV for short videos on many production topics.